Texas Border Business
(Edinburg)(January 17, 2018)- Sarafaye De La Garza was selected Youth of the Year for Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV at the Annual “Steak” In Your Community event on January 13, 2018. Along with the title, De La Garza will also receive a $2,500 scholarship, courtesy of the Tom & Jody Aderhold Endowed Youth of the Year Scholarship Program, the George Cardenas Scholarship and the Ella de la Rosa Endowed Female Leadership Memorial Scholarship.
De La Garza is among hundreds of local youth across the country recognized by Boys & Girls Club of America (BGCA) for her sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community.
Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. The title recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as personal challenges and obstacles overcome. This program was founded over 60 years ago through the generosity of the Reader’s Digest Foundation.
De La Garza has been involved in the Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV for six (6) years. She is currently a sophomore at Idea College Prep Edinburg Campus, a member of the cheerleading squad, and is an active community volunteer serving 673 hours as a Boys & Girl Club Jr. Staff member.
The top three finalists were 2nd runner up Rafael Montemayor, 3rd runner up Emily Montoya, and the Youth of the Year Sarafaye De La Garza. Each will receive a scholarship in the amount of $2,500.00, $1,500.00 and $250.00 respectively. Rafael Montemayor, who is a senior at Robert Vela High School will also receive a $1,000 Victor A. Guerra Memorial Scholarship. Other contenders were Angel Luevanos, Jennifer Pena, and Alejandra Luevanos.
“I’m so excited that this year we had 6 outstanding recipients, that each had a very impactful presentation, that showed how much the club helps young people move closer to their future dreams and aspirations. I commend Sarafaye for so articulately sharing her journey and I’m excited that she now, with the help of this scholarship will reach her educational destination,” said Sabrina Walker-Hernandez, Chief Executive Officer, Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV.
Judges in the Youth of the Year Competition included Edna De Saro – Lone Star National Bank, Elias Longoria – Texas Regional Bank, Joe E. Chance – Retired, Judge Toribio “Terry” Palacios, and Kevin Whitworth – Inter National Bank.
